I am so thankful Hannah is here. It is just nice having her to visit with and she has been a great help. She went to the hospital one morning and let me sleep late. WOW!! The offer was there for other mornings as well, I just have a hard time not going. Hannah went to the grocery store while I stayed with Ken one day. I was so thankful, I had needed to go but the one I really like is a pretty good walk for me, but her legs are used to walking everywhere in Portland. I just wish her dad was doing better and more like himself. It has been especially hard for her - she is the BIGGEST DADDY'S GIRL EVER!!!!!!
Hannah has always been our very strong willed and opinionated child. At times that has been a source of frustration for me. This week at times I have been a source of frustration for her. She says I only give the good side of the picture here and that people do not know what specific things to pray about when I do that. I have not totally processed everything yet - to be honest it has been a very hard week.
Ken has been so lethargic this week. Some of the medications he is getting causes drowsiness, but this has been beyond that. He had been extremely nauseated and what they had been giving him for that was a little sedating. The nurse suctioned out his stomach and that has taken care of the nausea problem. Being lethargic has not changed. He has been back on the ventilator since late Monday night giving him a break and hoping he might be able to perk up a little bit but he has required more oxygen than he had been. Communicating is hard again - lip reading. Talk about frustrating! I asked the nurses to give him the pain medication that was not sedating as much as possible, but nothing has changed. His body is still full of fluid, some good progress has been made, but nowhere near enough. He is improving with bending his fingers and being able to move them more on his own but he still cannot lift his hands on his own. I continue to exercise his feet and legs as well as his hands and arms daily and then PT comes in and does more intense exercises. Ken is not yet strong enough for them to sit him up on the edge of the bed or do a standing test. The intent is to put him in the chair daily, but there have been a few days that was not the best thing to do.
My concern for a while has been Ken's will. I remind him all the time that he has to mentally stay in this game and fight. Everyone who walks in the room continues to tell him what progress he is making, but he does not see that. He seems to see no progress or going backwards, and I can understand that. I have put things up in the room to try and brighten it up. There are family pictures up there and the nurses continue to ask questions about his family and they can see Ken not in bed with tubes all over. When Cher was here she wrote some goals up on the white board: Go Home - Go Fishing - Go to Hawaii with Chip and Cher and above that is the picture of the very first time Ken held Jack. One of the aids writes him notes and she is always talking to him about the goals. I have shown him some pictures of Jack on the computer but he does not want to look at them. If you ask Ken something about Jack or say something about taking Jack fishing he turns his head away.
As always this is written at different sessions as time allows. The probable cause of the lethargic issue has now been found. Ken has a blood infection. It has happened since his last culture done on the twenty-first. The medical staff continues to tell me this is very common in this kind of situation. With him being on the immune suppressants he does not run a fever but it shows up in other functions of his body. Unfortunately, they had to remove all lines that had direct access to his blood and put in new ones. The lines they took out were the long term lines that when put in caused the situation of having to open his chest up to repair the source of bleeding. There is a chance those lines will have to be replaced in the chest area some time next week and I may have a very hard time signing the consent form. I'll have to cross that bridge later.
Hannah and I are sitting in the surgical waiting area. Without getting to technical, especially since I do not know the technical terminology, as you all well know, the surgeons are finding and dealing with the source of a long term problem. It has to do with keeping the proteins he receives from his nourishment inside the blood. There is a vicious circle going on with the fluid, the proteins, the nourishment he is receiving and the effort to remove that fluid. Once again that word BALANCE comes into the picture. It was thought that perhaps the problem had healed on its own, but that is not the case.
If all of that is not enough, there is another problem with Ken's intestines. When his stomach was suctioned and they got so much out, it led them to have a cat scan run. That revealed there is an area not allowing everything going in the tube to get through. The tube was placed not in his stomach but just past it. The fact so much was in his stomach showed just how much had backed up and not been absorbed into his body. They have stopped the feedings and they are giving his medications differently in an effort to let the intestines have a break and hopefully correct itself.
As I said earlier, this has been a very rough week. I spoke with one of the transplant nurses yesterday and she said the "BIG THREE" were working. HEART, LUNGS and BRAIN. If those three are working everything else is fixable and we are in the fixing stage because the BIG THREE are working great!!! It is just so very discouraging at times when you think about having to go through another "FIX IT" situation.
Hannah said I made everything seem too positive, maybe so. "So many times we get to the end of the waiting period and we do not know God any better than we did before." That was one of the last statements our pastor said in a sermon on WAITING. A friend of ours was discussing Ken's situation with a long time christian friend and was questioning why would God let this all happen after we had gotten to this point. She was told that there were no answers but all she had to know was that God loves Ken and God loves Bert. I don't want to get to the end of this waiting period and not know God any better than when I started this journey. If I believe God loves us then I have to believe He has our best interest at heart. I don't know what that is, but I pray I will continue to trust Him all the way through it.
Hannah wanted me to be more specific as to what the prayer needs are. At this time I would say: 1) The results of this surgery are positive, and that the healing from it will be quick and not slow down progress of getting stronger and out of bed. 2) There will not be a need to replace the lines in the chest. 3) The blood infection will continue to respond to the antibiotics and all of the other areas this has effected will be cleared up. 4) The kidneys will begin to show signs of functioning. 5) That wisdom will come regarding my concerns for the "real world".
As always THANK YOU for continuing to pray. For continuing to lift my spirits through love offerings, cards, packages, e-mails and visits from friends and family.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
RESURECTION SUNDAY
Instead of a side note this is a top note. I have been trying since Friday to get an up-date out. It was started and stopped and lost and started over and lost until this is still late coming to you and is still not an up to the minute update. Ken is requiring a lot more of my time to be active with him and therefore I do not get to the computer very much. When I finally do my brain and fingers do not work well together - or apart for that matter. I don't know what I am doing wrong that causes what was already written to be lost but if you have any suggestions -please send!! Just know that things are progressing well and I will try and update again tomorrow.
HAPPY EASTER!! I pray it was a glorious day of celebration for you. It has been a good day here in Baltimore. Josh called this morning, they were on their way to church, wanting to know if his dad had rose up from the bed and was walking around. Not yet, but we are moving toward that goal. I can't wait to get pictures of Jack's first Easter. Hannah is on her way from Portland, OR to spend the week with her dad and she says take care of me. The school system she works at is on spring break this week and I am so glad she can come. Someone from our church in Tennessee provided her airline ticket. God continues to use His people to meet our needs. Our Sunday School class sent a big Easter basket full of inspirational and silly-fun-cute items, and of course "Peeps" and other sweets. Mark and Amy, a couple God placed in our lives through a connection at our church, came to the hospital to visit and bring an Easter basket. I can't even tell you the last time I got an Easter basket, and I got two!!!
There has been much reason for celebration this past week. Our good friend number 73 (the ventilator) finally left Ken's room. He was able to get out of bed for the first time. We were both rescued from my limited lip reading skills. I just love purple - that is the color of Ken's speaking valve. A swallowing test was done and Ken can now receive some nourishment by mouth. A tremendous amount of progress has also been made on removing fluid from his body.
Even in the midst of celebration there can still be ups and downs. Breathing on his own with 40% oxygen is still hard to do at times. Being off the ventilator makes it easier for Ken to cough up what needs to be coughed up; however, all that coughing and trying to cough still takes a lot out of him and seems to be the cause of some hurting in his chest area and sides. Successful removal of fluid on his body allows for more body movement at this time but the nerve endings are hyper- sensitive. Getting out of bed and into a chair was a tremendous cause for celebration, yet there are times you can get too much of a good thing. He could not even tolerate an hour in the chair the next day.
Yesterday, March 22, was one month since the transplant and on that day I was not sure this last week would ever happen. According to our plans Ken should be out of the hospital and three weeks into rehab. I spoke with Mr. Burroughs on Friday and he was able to have the funeral service for his wife on Thursday. He said he hated to let her go - it was extremely hard and yet he had come to realize she was not going to get better. He knows that she is better off where she is, and that one day he will be able to see her again. There is comfort in that and rejoicing for her but at the same time there is pain for him. His plan for the last three months had been for them to go home together with her well. I often wonder about the life of the person who's heart now beats in Ken. In the midst of our celebration that Thursday night, there was pain for someone who lost a loved one. What had been his plans for life. We never know how our plans can be changed with our next breath.
I do not know how people make it through life's ups and downs without God. Today we celebrated Easter - the day Jesus rose from the grave. All of the prayers that were offered this last month for Ken would have been hopeless, empty words had Christ remained in that tomb. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus provides us the way for eternal life but it also provides a hope and a peace that passes all understanding. I am so thankful that God loves me so much He provided for Easter Sunday in my heart everyday. As the song says, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow".
HAPPY EASTER!! I pray it was a glorious day of celebration for you. It has been a good day here in Baltimore. Josh called this morning, they were on their way to church, wanting to know if his dad had rose up from the bed and was walking around. Not yet, but we are moving toward that goal. I can't wait to get pictures of Jack's first Easter. Hannah is on her way from Portland, OR to spend the week with her dad and she says take care of me. The school system she works at is on spring break this week and I am so glad she can come. Someone from our church in Tennessee provided her airline ticket. God continues to use His people to meet our needs. Our Sunday School class sent a big Easter basket full of inspirational and silly-fun-cute items, and of course "Peeps" and other sweets. Mark and Amy, a couple God placed in our lives through a connection at our church, came to the hospital to visit and bring an Easter basket. I can't even tell you the last time I got an Easter basket, and I got two!!!
There has been much reason for celebration this past week. Our good friend number 73 (the ventilator) finally left Ken's room. He was able to get out of bed for the first time. We were both rescued from my limited lip reading skills. I just love purple - that is the color of Ken's speaking valve. A swallowing test was done and Ken can now receive some nourishment by mouth. A tremendous amount of progress has also been made on removing fluid from his body.
Even in the midst of celebration there can still be ups and downs. Breathing on his own with 40% oxygen is still hard to do at times. Being off the ventilator makes it easier for Ken to cough up what needs to be coughed up; however, all that coughing and trying to cough still takes a lot out of him and seems to be the cause of some hurting in his chest area and sides. Successful removal of fluid on his body allows for more body movement at this time but the nerve endings are hyper- sensitive. Getting out of bed and into a chair was a tremendous cause for celebration, yet there are times you can get too much of a good thing. He could not even tolerate an hour in the chair the next day.
Yesterday, March 22, was one month since the transplant and on that day I was not sure this last week would ever happen. According to our plans Ken should be out of the hospital and three weeks into rehab. I spoke with Mr. Burroughs on Friday and he was able to have the funeral service for his wife on Thursday. He said he hated to let her go - it was extremely hard and yet he had come to realize she was not going to get better. He knows that she is better off where she is, and that one day he will be able to see her again. There is comfort in that and rejoicing for her but at the same time there is pain for him. His plan for the last three months had been for them to go home together with her well. I often wonder about the life of the person who's heart now beats in Ken. In the midst of our celebration that Thursday night, there was pain for someone who lost a loved one. What had been his plans for life. We never know how our plans can be changed with our next breath.
I do not know how people make it through life's ups and downs without God. Today we celebrated Easter - the day Jesus rose from the grave. All of the prayers that were offered this last month for Ken would have been hopeless, empty words had Christ remained in that tomb. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus provides us the way for eternal life but it also provides a hope and a peace that passes all understanding. I am so thankful that God loves me so much He provided for Easter Sunday in my heart everyday. As the song says, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow".
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
OUT - UP - OFF
Talk about progress -----
OUT OF THE BED, IN A CHAIR AND STILL OFF THE VENTILATOR
GLORY HALLELUJAH - PRAISE GOD
A special chair had been brought up about a week ago and has just sat against the wall over on the other side of the room. Not today - that baby was brought out of pasture and put to work. Ken's bed and the chair were laid flat, side by side. With the help of a sliding board and six women he went from one to the other. NEXT with the flip of a switch the chair was raised and Ken was sitting up, out of bed. BLOOD PRESSURE DID NOT FALL!!!
What a party we had. Clapping and cheering, we just needed some hats and those whistles that roll out when you blow in them. Everyone is so amazed and so pleased with his progress. Ken was in the chair from about 9:50 am to 3:30 pm. He is not able to sit straight up yet but is up and out of bed none the less. Tomorrow is a new day with all kinds of possibilities. Tomorrow, the doctors have ordered a test to see what Ken's swallowing capabilities are and for a device that will allow him to talk with his trach. That would mean the possibility of oral feedings and no more lip reading - Could everyone please say thank you Lord, for Ken.
Ken looks so puzzled every time someone comes in and says "You Look GREAT". One of the original surgeons just came in along with another doctor who has been doing rounds this week, and both were just smiling and looking at the monitors. The nurse Ken has today came in right after them saying, as soon as she walked in the door , "You just look great, and that is what everyone out in the hall is saying". HE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE!!!
HARD TO BELIEVE IT'S TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008
That's what the nurse told Ken and I do believe he was a little taken back. It is so easy to lose track of time in the hospital. As many of you know the hours and days just run together to where all you know is when you have a new nurse it has been twelve hours.
TODAY HAS BEEN A GREAT DAY OF PROGRESS. When I arrived this morning his eyes were big and panic stricken. He was on the trach collar and off the ventilator. He told me not to let anyone do anything to him. He then informed me he could walk - take me home. After explaining again that no one was going to hurt him and, that they were trying to help him and, that he was making progress, he finally calmed down. The progress today has been:
1) His blood pressure remained up even when moved around.
2) Swelling is going down.
3) Dialyses has been removing fluid without blood pressure dropping.
4) Is able to bend his fingers further and maintain his hand upright
when placed.
5) Was off the ventilator from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
6) Went off ventilator around 3:00 and has been on trach collar ever
since!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HUGE PROGRESS TODAY!!! Everything seems to be coming together with that balance that is needed.
We both have known from the beginning that this whole journey is on God's time table and I have mentioned that so many times. Not knowing what that time table is though, when I look at how long it has taken us to get to this point on the calender, I begin to get a little concerned about the practical things back home. I need to keep on Trusting God with ALL the DETAILS and know that He has the answers for everything. Thank you for continuing to PRAY, and for REJOICING with us in Ken's progress.
TODAY HAS BEEN A GREAT DAY OF PROGRESS. When I arrived this morning his eyes were big and panic stricken. He was on the trach collar and off the ventilator. He told me not to let anyone do anything to him. He then informed me he could walk - take me home. After explaining again that no one was going to hurt him and, that they were trying to help him and, that he was making progress, he finally calmed down. The progress today has been:
1) His blood pressure remained up even when moved around.
2) Swelling is going down.
3) Dialyses has been removing fluid without blood pressure dropping.
4) Is able to bend his fingers further and maintain his hand upright
when placed.
5) Was off the ventilator from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
6) Went off ventilator around 3:00 and has been on trach collar ever
since!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HUGE PROGRESS TODAY!!! Everything seems to be coming together with that balance that is needed.
We both have known from the beginning that this whole journey is on God's time table and I have mentioned that so many times. Not knowing what that time table is though, when I look at how long it has taken us to get to this point on the calender, I begin to get a little concerned about the practical things back home. I need to keep on Trusting God with ALL the DETAILS and know that He has the answers for everything. Thank you for continuing to PRAY, and for REJOICING with us in Ken's progress.
Monday, March 17, 2008
ARE YOU WEARING YOUR GREEN?
HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!
Ken is wearing his green. Since the IVs are attached to his body, and the IVs are hanging on the IV pole, and the IV pole has the monitors that regulate the IVs, and the monitors have green lights on them -THERE YOU HAVE IT -he is wearing his green. Thing is, around here they don't pinch you, they stick you and it doesn't matter if you have green on or not. We hope you are having a great Monday regardless of what color you have on.
It was another long and at times frustrating weekend for us. I am sure that once Ken is able to talk, he is going to say, what part of my lips can you not read. He may be finding some kind of class for me to attend. It is like playing charades in a sense; First Word - Second Word and so on. His body still has a large amount of fluid, especially in his arms and legs which along with just not having moved in so long makes it almost impossible for him to move anything without assistance. He has come a long way, he just does not see it. The PT came in this morning to work him out and kept telling him how much stronger his muscles are getting. She is also raising the head of his bed in small increments as he can tolerate. We are hoping tomorrow could be the day he is sitting up in bed. I help him throughout the day with stretching and closing his hands along with working out his feet and knees to keep them from being stiff. Our goal with his hands is to grip a pen so he can write what he wants to say. .
I have a feeling that he will be talking before writing. He is doing great with his breathing. They have the ventilator set to where he has to initiate the breath and it only gives him a small amount of assistance and the percentage of oxygen going through is at 40%. The first time they took him off of the ventilator he lasted about five minutes and yesterday he was able to stay off for seventeen minutes. RT has not come in today for him to try, but I am sure it will be even longer.
The one consistent problem is his blood pressure dropping very low. As was mentioned in previous entries, there is such a fine line for everything to be in balance and we are not there yet. When his pressure drops they have to either stop removing fluid, add fluid or turn back up a medication used for raising it.
You didn't know it, but there was just a two hour break while Ken was off the ventilator. He did so good!! He was off for almost an hour and was coughing stuff up on his own which means his lungs are getting stronger!! THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR CONTINUED HEALING MERCY.
Ken still has a long ways to go but every small step is worthy of rejoicing. This weekend Ken started really suffering with some anxiety and depression. In our "successful moments" of communication he has revealed that he feels trapped. (WHO WOULDN'T) He cannot move his body and he cannot communicate with someone unless they are right there by him making the effort. He does not see the progress as those of us who have watched from the beginning; therefore, he gets a little discouraged. We are really at a point in this journey where he is going to have to stay in there and fight. They have added some medications that will help with this but we need to continue to pray that God will keep him strong mentally as well as physically.
I wish the words would come to mind that would convey to each one of you just how much your prayers and encouragement have kept this journey alive. I don't know that I will ever be able to find them, but please let me tell you again - from the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU!!!!!
Ken is wearing his green. Since the IVs are attached to his body, and the IVs are hanging on the IV pole, and the IV pole has the monitors that regulate the IVs, and the monitors have green lights on them -THERE YOU HAVE IT -he is wearing his green. Thing is, around here they don't pinch you, they stick you and it doesn't matter if you have green on or not. We hope you are having a great Monday regardless of what color you have on.
It was another long and at times frustrating weekend for us. I am sure that once Ken is able to talk, he is going to say, what part of my lips can you not read. He may be finding some kind of class for me to attend. It is like playing charades in a sense; First Word - Second Word and so on. His body still has a large amount of fluid, especially in his arms and legs which along with just not having moved in so long makes it almost impossible for him to move anything without assistance. He has come a long way, he just does not see it. The PT came in this morning to work him out and kept telling him how much stronger his muscles are getting. She is also raising the head of his bed in small increments as he can tolerate. We are hoping tomorrow could be the day he is sitting up in bed. I help him throughout the day with stretching and closing his hands along with working out his feet and knees to keep them from being stiff. Our goal with his hands is to grip a pen so he can write what he wants to say. .
I have a feeling that he will be talking before writing. He is doing great with his breathing. They have the ventilator set to where he has to initiate the breath and it only gives him a small amount of assistance and the percentage of oxygen going through is at 40%. The first time they took him off of the ventilator he lasted about five minutes and yesterday he was able to stay off for seventeen minutes. RT has not come in today for him to try, but I am sure it will be even longer.
The one consistent problem is his blood pressure dropping very low. As was mentioned in previous entries, there is such a fine line for everything to be in balance and we are not there yet. When his pressure drops they have to either stop removing fluid, add fluid or turn back up a medication used for raising it.
You didn't know it, but there was just a two hour break while Ken was off the ventilator. He did so good!! He was off for almost an hour and was coughing stuff up on his own which means his lungs are getting stronger!! THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR CONTINUED HEALING MERCY.
Ken still has a long ways to go but every small step is worthy of rejoicing. This weekend Ken started really suffering with some anxiety and depression. In our "successful moments" of communication he has revealed that he feels trapped. (WHO WOULDN'T) He cannot move his body and he cannot communicate with someone unless they are right there by him making the effort. He does not see the progress as those of us who have watched from the beginning; therefore, he gets a little discouraged. We are really at a point in this journey where he is going to have to stay in there and fight. They have added some medications that will help with this but we need to continue to pray that God will keep him strong mentally as well as physically.
I wish the words would come to mind that would convey to each one of you just how much your prayers and encouragement have kept this journey alive. I don't know that I will ever be able to find them, but please let me tell you again - from the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU!!!!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
WAITING IN HOSPITAL WAITING ROOMS
My life lesson on this subject began in earnest, January of 1997. That is when Ken had his massive heart attack. I learned during that time it did not matter if it was dark or light; silent or noisy; when you are waiting for news on a loved one your mind can run rampant with different scenario's of what is going on behind those doors you cannot enter. I felt so cold, alone, scared and in need of a blanket. The best is one that comes from home - it is something warm and familiar. I also learned during that time that it doesn't matter how much you take to keep your mind occupied it usually stays in the bag or untouched in your lap.
You find yourself making phone calls to update loved ones on the status after your last ICU visit, or if you have received news from the O.R., or what the surgeon had to say when he came out to see you. The faces you look into are also concerned about someone they love and the situation they face.
Here in Baltimore you will find the same scene, only the surroundings are different (the nicest I have ever been in). It was Wednesday morning, February 27th when I was waiting to see if Ken was going to come off of the by-pass machine and I had taken my position in the waiting area. Around where I was sitting there were two other women and one gentleman, each waiting for word on their spouse. The lady sitting across from me had picked up a magazine, tried to thumb through it and put it back down saying, "It's hard to concentrate". How well I know. I nodded and said yes it is. The lady beside me was visibly anxious about her husband and we were talking with her.
At some point the lady (Kathleen) who had tried to look at the magazine and myself became more involved in a conversation. She was waiting on her husband (John) who was having open heart surgery after he had suffered two heart attacks following a kidney transplant. She had given him one of her kidneys just a couple of weeks earlier and was still recovering herself. She had two young children at home and they lived about an hour and a half away. WOW!! Her plate was definitely full.
While Kathleen was still in the hospital recovering from her surgery, John suffered the heart attacks and was unconscious. Can you imagine being in a hospital room recovering and trying to find out about your husband who is another area of the hospital? I soon learned that Kathleen was a strong, determined woman who would do what she needed to for her family. John was finally having the surgery that day after it had been canceled on Friday. The surgeon scheduled to do his surgery was in the O.R. with a heart transplant patient who was not doing well. You are correct, our Dr. M was that surgeon, and Ken was the patient.
We had both been waiting that Friday on news of Ken. She was waiting for the surgeon to finish that case, so her husband, whom she loved and was concerned about, could have his by-pass. I was waiting for the same surgeon to come tell me my husband, whom I loved and was concerned about, was OK. The surgery did not happen for John that day. Kathleen, even in her frustration of the delays that day, was thankful someone who needed a heart was receiving it. For her, it was good to know the story of the person who had replaced John's time in surgery.
I gave her a piece of paper that day with my name, phone number and the blog address, and told her she would be able to find out how Ken's journey was going. I was able to meet John several days later in his room - doing well. I talked to Kathleen on the phone and she stopped by Ken's room the day she took John home. I was thrilled she was able to reunite her family. Kathleen continues to pray for Ken's recovery and keeps up with his progress here on the blog. I called her one day after they returned home to see how everything was going. Everyone was recovering. Her sister was leaving for a Christian conference in India soon and told Kathleen she would be praying for Ken while there.
God's people are praying around the world for Ken. That is AWESOME!!
OUR GOD IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!
You find yourself making phone calls to update loved ones on the status after your last ICU visit, or if you have received news from the O.R., or what the surgeon had to say when he came out to see you. The faces you look into are also concerned about someone they love and the situation they face.
Here in Baltimore you will find the same scene, only the surroundings are different (the nicest I have ever been in). It was Wednesday morning, February 27th when I was waiting to see if Ken was going to come off of the by-pass machine and I had taken my position in the waiting area. Around where I was sitting there were two other women and one gentleman, each waiting for word on their spouse. The lady sitting across from me had picked up a magazine, tried to thumb through it and put it back down saying, "It's hard to concentrate". How well I know. I nodded and said yes it is. The lady beside me was visibly anxious about her husband and we were talking with her.
At some point the lady (Kathleen) who had tried to look at the magazine and myself became more involved in a conversation. She was waiting on her husband (John) who was having open heart surgery after he had suffered two heart attacks following a kidney transplant. She had given him one of her kidneys just a couple of weeks earlier and was still recovering herself. She had two young children at home and they lived about an hour and a half away. WOW!! Her plate was definitely full.
While Kathleen was still in the hospital recovering from her surgery, John suffered the heart attacks and was unconscious. Can you imagine being in a hospital room recovering and trying to find out about your husband who is another area of the hospital? I soon learned that Kathleen was a strong, determined woman who would do what she needed to for her family. John was finally having the surgery that day after it had been canceled on Friday. The surgeon scheduled to do his surgery was in the O.R. with a heart transplant patient who was not doing well. You are correct, our Dr. M was that surgeon, and Ken was the patient.
We had both been waiting that Friday on news of Ken. She was waiting for the surgeon to finish that case, so her husband, whom she loved and was concerned about, could have his by-pass. I was waiting for the same surgeon to come tell me my husband, whom I loved and was concerned about, was OK. The surgery did not happen for John that day. Kathleen, even in her frustration of the delays that day, was thankful someone who needed a heart was receiving it. For her, it was good to know the story of the person who had replaced John's time in surgery.
I gave her a piece of paper that day with my name, phone number and the blog address, and told her she would be able to find out how Ken's journey was going. I was able to meet John several days later in his room - doing well. I talked to Kathleen on the phone and she stopped by Ken's room the day she took John home. I was thrilled she was able to reunite her family. Kathleen continues to pray for Ken's recovery and keeps up with his progress here on the blog. I called her one day after they returned home to see how everything was going. Everyone was recovering. Her sister was leaving for a Christian conference in India soon and told Kathleen she would be praying for Ken while there.
God's people are praying around the world for Ken. That is AWESOME!!
OUR GOD IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!
A FELLOW TRAVELER - MRS. BURROUGHS
This morning her journey to healing and going home came to a close with the PERFECT healing and home-going, HEAVEN. For her family, I know it was hard to make that decision to let her go. She had fought a long hard fight.
When we first arrived in January, Mr. Burroughs was the provider of God's first hug to me. He and his wife and been here since the middle of December. She had been in other facilities for over a year prior to that. They as well had traveled here from Tennessee to receive a VAD.
I received lots of hugs from Mr. Burroughs - every time I saw him. He became a very important part of our lives. He and Ken loved to visit over coffee and it was very comforting to know Ken had him around when I went back home for those 3 weeks. We often talked of the time we would all be back home and would have a big party to celebrate. He was a great encourager to us and the most devoted husband to his wife. He was faithfully in her room everyday between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning and he stayed until 9:00 in the evening.
One night I was at the hospital until around 9:00. I walked the couple of doors down to her room to see if he wanted a walking partner when we left. There he stood by her bed, in the yellow gown and blue gloves, holding his Bible and praying with her. Although I had never witnessed that scene before, I AM SURE IT HAPPENED EVERY NIGHT.
Please keep him and his family in your prayers as they travel home to Tennessee. As he deals with the days ahead I know he will rejoice for her, but at the same time he is suffering a huge loss. My prayer is that GOD WILL EMBRACE HIM WITH HIS STRONG AND LOVING ARMS.
When we first arrived in January, Mr. Burroughs was the provider of God's first hug to me. He and his wife and been here since the middle of December. She had been in other facilities for over a year prior to that. They as well had traveled here from Tennessee to receive a VAD.
I received lots of hugs from Mr. Burroughs - every time I saw him. He became a very important part of our lives. He and Ken loved to visit over coffee and it was very comforting to know Ken had him around when I went back home for those 3 weeks. We often talked of the time we would all be back home and would have a big party to celebrate. He was a great encourager to us and the most devoted husband to his wife. He was faithfully in her room everyday between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning and he stayed until 9:00 in the evening.
One night I was at the hospital until around 9:00. I walked the couple of doors down to her room to see if he wanted a walking partner when we left. There he stood by her bed, in the yellow gown and blue gloves, holding his Bible and praying with her. Although I had never witnessed that scene before, I AM SURE IT HAPPENED EVERY NIGHT.
Please keep him and his family in your prayers as they travel home to Tennessee. As he deals with the days ahead I know he will rejoice for her, but at the same time he is suffering a huge loss. My prayer is that GOD WILL EMBRACE HIM WITH HIS STRONG AND LOVING ARMS.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
TIME TABLE
THREE WEEKS
TWENTY-ONE DAYS
FIVE HUNDRED AND FOUR HOURS
THIRTY THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES
ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FOURTEEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SECONDS
EACH ONE IS THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME
MYSELF: I'm going with the last one - FEELS more like it
GOD: I'm going with the probability that He has NOT EVEN BLINKED yet
No wonder our timing is not the same as God's; however, "TRUST IN GOD'S TIMING. IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT". A friend sent a card with that saying followed by: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:7
Here is a brief synopsis:
1 Transplant Call; 1 Transplant; 1 Extremely Long Night and Day Waiting Room Visit; 6 Days on Heart & Lung By-Pass; 4 Additional Days on Lung By-Pass; 17 Days on Ventilator; 1 Tracheostomy/4 days; 5 Additional Trips to the O.R./1 Unscheduled; 10 Days on Continuous Dialysis; 2 Children - 1 Brother - 1 Friend -/in Baltimore approx 10 days; 1 Visit from Pastor
TOO NUMEROUS TO COUNT-Cards, Calls, E-mails and PRAYERS.
GRATITUDE - More than can ever be expressed.
TWENTY-ONE DAYS
FIVE HUNDRED AND FOUR HOURS
THIRTY THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES
ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FOURTEEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SECONDS
EACH ONE IS THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME
MYSELF: I'm going with the last one - FEELS more like it
GOD: I'm going with the probability that He has NOT EVEN BLINKED yet
No wonder our timing is not the same as God's; however, "TRUST IN GOD'S TIMING. IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT". A friend sent a card with that saying followed by: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:7
Here is a brief synopsis:
1 Transplant Call; 1 Transplant; 1 Extremely Long Night and Day Waiting Room Visit; 6 Days on Heart & Lung By-Pass; 4 Additional Days on Lung By-Pass; 17 Days on Ventilator; 1 Tracheostomy/4 days; 5 Additional Trips to the O.R./1 Unscheduled; 10 Days on Continuous Dialysis; 2 Children - 1 Brother - 1 Friend -/in Baltimore approx 10 days; 1 Visit from Pastor
TOO NUMEROUS TO COUNT-Cards, Calls, E-mails and PRAYERS.
GRATITUDE - More than can ever be expressed.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
SET BACK??? -- MAYBE NOT!!!
I am so glad I got the last blog entry out before receiving the call that came just minutes after posting. Dr. M (the surgeon) was on his way to the hospital and they were getting Ken ready to take to the O.R. There was more blood coming out of the chest tubes than had been previous to the new lines, and they were giving him blood and blood products. In the O.R. they had to open up his chest and find the area of bleeding. They did, repaired the hole and then closed him back up.
I could not believe what I was hearing when they called! Here it is around midnight, I am in my pajamas, exhausted and ready to go to bed. My first reaction was I'll get dressed and be right there. Then I stopped - I could not get there before they took him to surgery and I could not face sitting in a waiting room again, especially a silent one. I feel safe where our apartment is and safe on the streets when it is light outside or at least when the streets are busier in the early evenings; however, at that hour I just could not go back out. When I called the nurse and told her I was not coming back up she said they would let me know just as soon as they knew anything. She said Ken was alert and aware of what was going on and that he was very calm. Around 3:10 am, Dr. M called and informed me of what they were able to do.
I got very little sleep - a doze here and there. My sinuses have been bothering me the last few days but this morning my throat is sore and my chest feels heavy and I am exhausted. I cannot take the chance of it being more than sinuses and carrying it into Ken. Upon the advice of several friends and my own common sense I am staying in today and trying to get some rest and drinking lots of water and hot green tea.
One of the friends I talked with works at the hospital -- she went over to Ken's room to check on him for me, and to tell him where I was. She said he looked great considering what he had just gone through and that he was alert and able to communicate very well with his nurse. He wanted to sit up some in the bed so she and his nurse got him situated and he was about to receive some more blood and something for pain.
Last night as I finished that entry I was thinking that today's entry would be about Gratitude. I had been told by some co-workers to expect a package yesterday at the apartment. I GOT IT! When I opened it up I was filled once again with such emotion by the generosity and love of friends so many miles away. Just within the last few days I had received a card that our Sunday School class had once again given from their hearts and helped out our checking account. Now, I see it from co-workers. I am so thankful for the financial help that was in that box - and the cards with their personal words of encouragement to us - but inside were some very creative heart pockets which held scripture verses of God's encouragement and God's promises. Those scriptures were right there in front of me when that call came last night. Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Psalm 62:5 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." I read those while I was waiting. I did not suddenly close my eyes and go to sleep nor was I free of worry; however, this morning as I reflect on last night, the events since January and even before.... I am reminded of God's faithfulness and how God's words are TRUE and ALIVE .
Thank you all who continue to faithfully lift us up in prayer and give us encouragement to stay the course.
I could not believe what I was hearing when they called! Here it is around midnight, I am in my pajamas, exhausted and ready to go to bed. My first reaction was I'll get dressed and be right there. Then I stopped - I could not get there before they took him to surgery and I could not face sitting in a waiting room again, especially a silent one. I feel safe where our apartment is and safe on the streets when it is light outside or at least when the streets are busier in the early evenings; however, at that hour I just could not go back out. When I called the nurse and told her I was not coming back up she said they would let me know just as soon as they knew anything. She said Ken was alert and aware of what was going on and that he was very calm. Around 3:10 am, Dr. M called and informed me of what they were able to do.
I got very little sleep - a doze here and there. My sinuses have been bothering me the last few days but this morning my throat is sore and my chest feels heavy and I am exhausted. I cannot take the chance of it being more than sinuses and carrying it into Ken. Upon the advice of several friends and my own common sense I am staying in today and trying to get some rest and drinking lots of water and hot green tea.
One of the friends I talked with works at the hospital -- she went over to Ken's room to check on him for me, and to tell him where I was. She said he looked great considering what he had just gone through and that he was alert and able to communicate very well with his nurse. He wanted to sit up some in the bed so she and his nurse got him situated and he was about to receive some more blood and something for pain.
Last night as I finished that entry I was thinking that today's entry would be about Gratitude. I had been told by some co-workers to expect a package yesterday at the apartment. I GOT IT! When I opened it up I was filled once again with such emotion by the generosity and love of friends so many miles away. Just within the last few days I had received a card that our Sunday School class had once again given from their hearts and helped out our checking account. Now, I see it from co-workers. I am so thankful for the financial help that was in that box - and the cards with their personal words of encouragement to us - but inside were some very creative heart pockets which held scripture verses of God's encouragement and God's promises. Those scriptures were right there in front of me when that call came last night. Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Psalm 62:5 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." I read those while I was waiting. I did not suddenly close my eyes and go to sleep nor was I free of worry; however, this morning as I reflect on last night, the events since January and even before.... I am reminded of God's faithfulness and how God's words are TRUE and ALIVE .
Thank you all who continue to faithfully lift us up in prayer and give us encouragement to stay the course.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
SATURDAY TO TUESDAY - WHAT HAPPENED
ONLY STEPS FORWARD - Now that Ken is alert I don't have as much time to sit with the computer. I am thrilled to be standing by his bed trying to figure out what he needs, helping him exercise his hands and feet and helping him to understand what has happened since Friday, February 22. It has all been more than a little overwhelming for him.
It was great having Cher here over the weekend. I actually had someone to walk the streets of Baltimore with and help carry groceries back to the apartment. I needed that outlet of talking, laughing, crying and she made sure I ate. She even provided Ken with some material that had him rolling his eyes.
There is still a problem with Ken's lungs but there has been great progress. Monday, the doctors put in a trech. It was so good not to see any white tape holding that ventilator in place. Ken is so glad to have it out, but we are still having trouble communicating. I am not the best lip reader and it is causing some frustration for both of us. After waiting all day, Ken was taken earlier this evening to replace two lines. One is for running all of the IVs through and the other is for the continuous dialysis. The dialysis line is being moved so he will be able to sit up. Tomorrow, the P.T.s are planning to get him out of bed and into a chair. YEAHHHH!!! As you can imagine, he is starting to feel the effects of lying flat on his back for nineteen days.
Sunday, when Cher and I returned from running an errand, Ken was having a panic attack. He is still so easily overwhelmed with all that's going on around him. He just lies there so quiet and I can see the many questions running through his mind. Monday afternoon Ken just looked a little lost. He didn't know these doctors and nurses and other medical staff who kept coming around telling him he sure looked better than the last time they worked with him. I felt like he needed someone he was familiar with so I called his nurse practitioner back in Nashville and let her talk to him. She talked to him as I held the phone up to his ear and he just kept nodding his head.
Ken was trying to tell me something, "H O M E" -- "you want to go home?" -- he nodded -- "we will soon". I then asked him if he wanted me to turn some music back on -- he nodded --
"C A R" -- "You want to listen to music in the car" -- he nodded -- "Okay, just as soon as we can!"
The Tin Man has his heart we just need to find those Ruby Red Shoes -----"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME ----"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME"-----"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was great having Cher here over the weekend. I actually had someone to walk the streets of Baltimore with and help carry groceries back to the apartment. I needed that outlet of talking, laughing, crying and she made sure I ate. She even provided Ken with some material that had him rolling his eyes.
There is still a problem with Ken's lungs but there has been great progress. Monday, the doctors put in a trech. It was so good not to see any white tape holding that ventilator in place. Ken is so glad to have it out, but we are still having trouble communicating. I am not the best lip reader and it is causing some frustration for both of us. After waiting all day, Ken was taken earlier this evening to replace two lines. One is for running all of the IVs through and the other is for the continuous dialysis. The dialysis line is being moved so he will be able to sit up. Tomorrow, the P.T.s are planning to get him out of bed and into a chair. YEAHHHH!!! As you can imagine, he is starting to feel the effects of lying flat on his back for nineteen days.
Sunday, when Cher and I returned from running an errand, Ken was having a panic attack. He is still so easily overwhelmed with all that's going on around him. He just lies there so quiet and I can see the many questions running through his mind. Monday afternoon Ken just looked a little lost. He didn't know these doctors and nurses and other medical staff who kept coming around telling him he sure looked better than the last time they worked with him. I felt like he needed someone he was familiar with so I called his nurse practitioner back in Nashville and let her talk to him. She talked to him as I held the phone up to his ear and he just kept nodding his head.
Ken was trying to tell me something, "H O M E" -- "you want to go home?" -- he nodded -- "we will soon". I then asked him if he wanted me to turn some music back on -- he nodded --
"C A R" -- "You want to listen to music in the car" -- he nodded -- "Okay, just as soon as we can!"
The Tin Man has his heart we just need to find those Ruby Red Shoes -----"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME ----"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME"-----"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I AM FIXATED WHERE?????????
When I last left you, Ken was having a procedure to check on an opening in the heart. Had that hole been there it would allow blood to flow into the other side of the heart before it had been oxygenated in the lungs. There was not a problem; however, the doctors still do not know why his oxygen level keeps dropping. I was constantly watching the monitors, seeing if his blood pressure was dropping and watching to see what his oxygen was doing. The R.T. would set and reset the percentage of oxygen going through the ventilator and adjust different modes to try and help him breath easier. Ken's blood pressure would drop and they would have to put him back on a medication or give him some fluid to get it to go back up. I watched this go on all afternoon.
At 7:00 PM, the nurse for the evening shift was one who had not had Ken as a patient before. As the two nurses were doing their briefing, and then as she was getting situated with the different elements for the evening I continued to watch the monitors. A special, long time friend had flown in that afternoon from Texas and she was sitting over against the wall facing the bed. I kept thinking we would leave but then his blood pressure would drop and the oxygen level would be low and then it would go back up and then it was back down. I could not leave. Around 9:00 I was standing there by his bed, holding his hand and watching that monitor when the nurse said to me - "I don't want you to be so fixated on that monitor - unless you see us rushing to the bed you don't need to worry." I started crying. The worries of the day had caught up with me. She didn't know Ken and she didn't know how much we had already been through how could she say that.
My friend, Cher, came over and hugged me and the nurse brought me some tissues and then we left. We went and got a bite to eat back at her hotel and talked a little then I went across the street to the apartment - just exhausted. I went to bed and laid there, thinking about the day and what that nurse had said. "Don't be so fixated on that screen" - but that was the only thing I could see with my eyes that told me anything. Then in that moment, in the dark - "YOU ARE FIXATED ON THE WRONG THING". I had to put my eyes back where they belonged.
I woke up yesterday morning singing this chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of HIS GLORY AND GRACE.
God has been so faithful and shown such grace and mercy through all of this - the doctors may still not know what the problem is - BUT GOD DOES!!!
I pray you have a Blessed Day.
At 7:00 PM, the nurse for the evening shift was one who had not had Ken as a patient before. As the two nurses were doing their briefing, and then as she was getting situated with the different elements for the evening I continued to watch the monitors. A special, long time friend had flown in that afternoon from Texas and she was sitting over against the wall facing the bed. I kept thinking we would leave but then his blood pressure would drop and the oxygen level would be low and then it would go back up and then it was back down. I could not leave. Around 9:00 I was standing there by his bed, holding his hand and watching that monitor when the nurse said to me - "I don't want you to be so fixated on that monitor - unless you see us rushing to the bed you don't need to worry." I started crying. The worries of the day had caught up with me. She didn't know Ken and she didn't know how much we had already been through how could she say that.
My friend, Cher, came over and hugged me and the nurse brought me some tissues and then we left. We went and got a bite to eat back at her hotel and talked a little then I went across the street to the apartment - just exhausted. I went to bed and laid there, thinking about the day and what that nurse had said. "Don't be so fixated on that screen" - but that was the only thing I could see with my eyes that told me anything. Then in that moment, in the dark - "YOU ARE FIXATED ON THE WRONG THING". I had to put my eyes back where they belonged.
I woke up yesterday morning singing this chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of HIS GLORY AND GRACE.
God has been so faithful and shown such grace and mercy through all of this - the doctors may still not know what the problem is - BUT GOD DOES!!!
I pray you have a Blessed Day.
Friday, March 7, 2008
OPEN...OPEN....OPEN YOUR EYES
If you have ever seen the movie Steel Magnolias perhaps you recall that scene where Sally Field, the mother, is trying to get Julia Roberts, the daughter to wake up from a coma. She never does. As you all know I have wanted to see Ken's eyes and some kind of response - I did!!!! -Thursday. The nurse turned off the sedation and the hiccups did not return -PRAISE GOD - so she left if off longer and longer and then there they were - those brown eyes. There was no excitement in them though, only a look of confusion and worry. I tried to reassure him he was OK but he just stared at me. I knew he was not thrilled at all to still be on the ventilator, he kept trying to push the tube out with his tongue. He tried to answer questions by blinking his eyes but sometimes I could not determine his answer since he was still somewhat drowsy. He could not move his limbs which was also a source of frustration. I am not sure what was going through his mind when a lot of the medical staff came running to his room when word spread he was awake. One of the P.T.'s he had worked with before the surgery knew what the "real" Ken was like and she was devastated by what had happened. She was suppose to pick Ken up on Sunday to take him to church with her - he had told me about this on Thursday after he had gone to rehab - he was so excited. She came to workout Ken's joints yesterday morning before he came to and she kept telling the nurse what a character he was and how they had just talked and talked or maybe it was he had talked and talked - oh, and that Thursday was the only time she had worked with him. When word went down the hall he was awake she came running into the room so excited. Every time I looked up there was someone else looking in and smiling or giving me a thumbs up - guess you could say there was a party on 6-W again.
I stayed late last night and when I left he still looked lost. He had some problems with his oxygen again last night when they were cleaning him up. They had to go up on his oxygen level and put him back on the meds for his blood pressure to keep it up. He only slept a couple of hours the nurse said.
Today he is more coherent than yesterday and he has been able to answer questions better with his eyes and has even tried to nod his head a little. He's hands are still swollen but he has been able to move them some. I have explained some of what has gone on and keep telling him he is getting better - all of the steps are moving forward. Some doctors are in his room right now looking at the heart to see if there is a problem with blood flowing between the sections before being oxygenated in the lungs. One of the doctors also talked to me about the possibility of them putting in a trech on Monday. It will be easier to get him off the oxygen plus will add a level of comfort to him. We will see what the findings are from this procedure they are doing now.
I stayed late last night and when I left he still looked lost. He had some problems with his oxygen again last night when they were cleaning him up. They had to go up on his oxygen level and put him back on the meds for his blood pressure to keep it up. He only slept a couple of hours the nurse said.
Today he is more coherent than yesterday and he has been able to answer questions better with his eyes and has even tried to nod his head a little. He's hands are still swollen but he has been able to move them some. I have explained some of what has gone on and keep telling him he is getting better - all of the steps are moving forward. Some doctors are in his room right now looking at the heart to see if there is a problem with blood flowing between the sections before being oxygenated in the lungs. One of the doctors also talked to me about the possibility of them putting in a trech on Monday. It will be easier to get him off the oxygen plus will add a level of comfort to him. We will see what the findings are from this procedure they are doing now.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
WEDNESDAY - HUMP DAY
Make it through Wednesday and it is all down hill to the weekend for those who work a Monday thru Friday schedule. For the Tin Man, two more days will make it two weeks since he received his new heart. It's hard to believe. I think the hardest thing for me has been not getting here in time to see Ken before he went into surgery. It wouldn't change what happened, I just could have seen that excitement in his eyes that I heard in his voice. There has only been a few times those eyes have been open since I arrived here, and it was not excitement I saw.
Not much has changed - the dialysis is hooked up and running, and the ventilator is assisting his breathing. They continue to run blood test and make adjustments as needed and I continue to thank God for His faithfulness and trust in His timing. Perhaps Ken will take a big swing towards recovery tomorrow - I would love to see some life in those brown eyes - and I guarantee everyone would see excitement in these green eyes of mine.
Not much has changed - the dialysis is hooked up and running, and the ventilator is assisting his breathing. They continue to run blood test and make adjustments as needed and I continue to thank God for His faithfulness and trust in His timing. Perhaps Ken will take a big swing towards recovery tomorrow - I would love to see some life in those brown eyes - and I guarantee everyone would see excitement in these green eyes of mine.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
WHAT DAY IS IT?
Tuesday - March 4, 2008. The day to pay bills if you have not yet done so - for our household anyway - BOTH OF THEM. It's always helpful too if you remember the password for on-line banking. I don't know why the world doesn't stand still when it seems your world has. The doctors and nurses tell me more than likely Ken won't remember these last twelve days - for him I guess it is standing still.
Today they continued to run blood test and work with the ventilator. They viewed the heart functions and started dialysis. I stood there today by Ken's bed and again marveled at what can be done to the human body. My technical terminology is lacking as you have noticed before - the "fluid removing machine" - but I'm just guessing that unless you're in the medical field or have been in a situation where you have seen it in action you would still not know what I am talking about. Even "Googling" would be difficult because I have not a clue how you would spell them. Beside, I think the doctors and nurses have their own names for them. This particular machine has blood passing through it and as it does there is clear liquid that falls into a bag. Red blood going in and red blood coming out but clear liquid falling down into the bag - I am amazed. The heart and lung by-pass machine was fascinating to watch and learn how it sustained life in Ken's body for that time. And now there is a dialysis machine hooked up - just to even see how it is set up with tubes running in and out and encircling parts of the machine is mind boggling for me. Here again is a machine that Ken's blood runs through. It removes excess fluid from his body along with toxins. Ken's kidneys are producing lots of urine, it is just not quality urine at this time. Running the dialysis will just give some needed assistance. (Ken will be so excited I am telling you all about his "pee-pee")
I had to laugh the other day when the nurse was opening a kit for setting up the "fluid removing machine" and said to her, "So I take it some assembly is required" - she laughed and let out a big yes. Call an ICU nurse on Christmas Eve if you are having problems with a gift that needs 'some assembly' - THEY ARE GREAT!!!
Our Sunday school class was discussing one Sunday after we came to Baltimore how some of them had re-thought organ donation and were going to change the information on their drivers license and tell family members of that decision. Sometimes that's what happens when you know someone who is going through a life changing situation; your perspective changes. What once we might not have given a second thought to, we now look at with a different understanding. I definitely look at blood and it's life giving force differently. All of the machines I mentioned are taking out the blood - treating it for what is needed - and then giving it back to the body. Ken has had to have so many units of blood and blood products (platelets, plasma) that I have totally lost count. That blood was needed to save his life as well. SOMEONE GAVE THAT GIFT OF LIFE. I am not able to give blood because of past hepatitis - I wish I could - if you can, please do. Someone may not need an organ transplant but they do need blood - it could save their live.
Our bodies did not come out of some big bang happening or evolution. "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 The body is so complex and wonderfully made - look at yours with different understanding today and don't take how it works for granted.
Thank you God for the gift of life!
Today they continued to run blood test and work with the ventilator. They viewed the heart functions and started dialysis. I stood there today by Ken's bed and again marveled at what can be done to the human body. My technical terminology is lacking as you have noticed before - the "fluid removing machine" - but I'm just guessing that unless you're in the medical field or have been in a situation where you have seen it in action you would still not know what I am talking about. Even "Googling" would be difficult because I have not a clue how you would spell them. Beside, I think the doctors and nurses have their own names for them. This particular machine has blood passing through it and as it does there is clear liquid that falls into a bag. Red blood going in and red blood coming out but clear liquid falling down into the bag - I am amazed. The heart and lung by-pass machine was fascinating to watch and learn how it sustained life in Ken's body for that time. And now there is a dialysis machine hooked up - just to even see how it is set up with tubes running in and out and encircling parts of the machine is mind boggling for me. Here again is a machine that Ken's blood runs through. It removes excess fluid from his body along with toxins. Ken's kidneys are producing lots of urine, it is just not quality urine at this time. Running the dialysis will just give some needed assistance. (Ken will be so excited I am telling you all about his "pee-pee")
I had to laugh the other day when the nurse was opening a kit for setting up the "fluid removing machine" and said to her, "So I take it some assembly is required" - she laughed and let out a big yes. Call an ICU nurse on Christmas Eve if you are having problems with a gift that needs 'some assembly' - THEY ARE GREAT!!!
Our Sunday school class was discussing one Sunday after we came to Baltimore how some of them had re-thought organ donation and were going to change the information on their drivers license and tell family members of that decision. Sometimes that's what happens when you know someone who is going through a life changing situation; your perspective changes. What once we might not have given a second thought to, we now look at with a different understanding. I definitely look at blood and it's life giving force differently. All of the machines I mentioned are taking out the blood - treating it for what is needed - and then giving it back to the body. Ken has had to have so many units of blood and blood products (platelets, plasma) that I have totally lost count. That blood was needed to save his life as well. SOMEONE GAVE THAT GIFT OF LIFE. I am not able to give blood because of past hepatitis - I wish I could - if you can, please do. Someone may not need an organ transplant but they do need blood - it could save their live.
Our bodies did not come out of some big bang happening or evolution. "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 The body is so complex and wonderfully made - look at yours with different understanding today and don't take how it works for granted.
Thank you God for the gift of life!
Monday, March 3, 2008
WHAT A SUNNY DAY IN BALTIMORE
Not only outside - even if it were dark and rainy outside - it is a SUNNY Day in Ken's hospital room. The room is much larger now - could be that a large piece of equipment is GONE!!!!!!! Dr M was smiling - such a beautiful smile - when he told me Ken was off the by-pass machine. I was doing cartwheels - not literally but on the inside - and THANKING GOD for His continuing healing touch on Ken's body.
In the O.R. they were able to take Ken off the by-pass machine and a plastic surgeon closed up his chest. They did not pull his sternum together, but used muscle and tissue to close up the chest cavity. That surgeon said everything was real tight since it had been open for over a week but he felt like it would hold. Removing more fluid from his body will help as well. The "fluid removing machine", I am fascinated with it, has been hooked back up. He remains on the ventilator for now and the oxygen going through it has been raised back up to 80%. He is still fairly sedated. The nurse is trying to wake him up some to check his neurological functions.
If you have ever spent much time in the hospital with a patient - especially in ICU - you are aware of how you become the cheering squad and support group for other patients' family members. On '6-W', I'm telling you we had a little celebration today!! We are always ready to give thanks regardless of how big or small that accomplishment is.
I'm not sure what tomorrow will hold - but just like the song goes, "I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW!" We still have a long way to go on this journey but at this mile marker, I am so GRATEFUL for some SUNSHINE.
Thank you for the continuing prayers and support you offer. I am looking forward to telling you a waiting room story - GOD IS AMAZING!
In the O.R. they were able to take Ken off the by-pass machine and a plastic surgeon closed up his chest. They did not pull his sternum together, but used muscle and tissue to close up the chest cavity. That surgeon said everything was real tight since it had been open for over a week but he felt like it would hold. Removing more fluid from his body will help as well. The "fluid removing machine", I am fascinated with it, has been hooked back up. He remains on the ventilator for now and the oxygen going through it has been raised back up to 80%. He is still fairly sedated. The nurse is trying to wake him up some to check his neurological functions.
If you have ever spent much time in the hospital with a patient - especially in ICU - you are aware of how you become the cheering squad and support group for other patients' family members. On '6-W', I'm telling you we had a little celebration today!! We are always ready to give thanks regardless of how big or small that accomplishment is.
I'm not sure what tomorrow will hold - but just like the song goes, "I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW!" We still have a long way to go on this journey but at this mile marker, I am so GRATEFUL for some SUNSHINE.
Thank you for the continuing prayers and support you offer. I am looking forward to telling you a waiting room story - GOD IS AMAZING!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
WEEKEND UP-DATE
Could someone tell me why weekends in Baltimore, MD are longer than in Franklin, TN? Is it that time zone difference or what? It sure would be nice to have a Saturday and Sunday this long when you're trying to get the weekend chores finished before Monday morning.
It was nice to have David, Ken's brother, here for a few days. I must have forgotten since the last time I was around him, orneriness runs through him as well. We had a good visit and he made sure I ate - thanks.
It was a weekend of progress for Ken - a little bit of a roller coaster at times - but there was progress none the less. His "new" heart has been able to hold the blood pressure up on its own a majority of the time - that is HUGE! The percentage of oxygen running through both the by-pass machine and the ventilator have been lowered - that is HUGE! The doctors and nurses were able to remove some of the lines in his neck and groin - "taking out" is definitely going in
the right direction. The heart has still been in "A-fib" at times and the hiccups continue to torture him off and on. The nurses can't believe he has the hiccups - they have not seen that before with someone who is incubated. As long as he is sedated they are not an issue; however, the nurses are trying to find more of what his neurological status is so they have to bring him to some of the time. His kidneys are still producing urine (a lot of it) - and that is HUGE!
Tomorrow, Ken will once again be taken to the O.R. and I pray I will be able to report that he has been taken off, at least, one of the machines. As I mentioned in a previous entry, this part of the journey never crossed our minds. We had pictured Ken running up and down the halls, harassing the doctors and nurses, and being well on our way to healing and the process of getting back to our home in Tennessee. As I've always heard, "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans".
Several years ago there was a young preacher, Ridley Barron, whose wife and and baby were killed in a car wreck only blocks away from their home when coming back from an out of town trip. He was interviewed by the paper and I have re-read a part of what he had to say so many times. "I don't want to miss what God has to show me. I don't want to get so wrapped up in feeling sorry for myself that I miss what God really wants to show me that's greater than that one event in my life. God didn't make this happen. We live in a world that's got bad in it. Bad things happen. Could God have stopped it? Yes. We have to remember that God looks at the world with the big picture in mind. God sees more than the 70-plus years I may be given on this earth or the 33-plus years Sarah was given. What God is more interested in is two things: No 1 - His Glory and No 2 - my character."
I know God has touched Ken's body and I can't wait until Ken is aware of that as well - To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done.
It was nice to have David, Ken's brother, here for a few days. I must have forgotten since the last time I was around him, orneriness runs through him as well. We had a good visit and he made sure I ate - thanks.
It was a weekend of progress for Ken - a little bit of a roller coaster at times - but there was progress none the less. His "new" heart has been able to hold the blood pressure up on its own a majority of the time - that is HUGE! The percentage of oxygen running through both the by-pass machine and the ventilator have been lowered - that is HUGE! The doctors and nurses were able to remove some of the lines in his neck and groin - "taking out" is definitely going in
the right direction. The heart has still been in "A-fib" at times and the hiccups continue to torture him off and on. The nurses can't believe he has the hiccups - they have not seen that before with someone who is incubated. As long as he is sedated they are not an issue; however, the nurses are trying to find more of what his neurological status is so they have to bring him to some of the time. His kidneys are still producing urine (a lot of it) - and that is HUGE!
Tomorrow, Ken will once again be taken to the O.R. and I pray I will be able to report that he has been taken off, at least, one of the machines. As I mentioned in a previous entry, this part of the journey never crossed our minds. We had pictured Ken running up and down the halls, harassing the doctors and nurses, and being well on our way to healing and the process of getting back to our home in Tennessee. As I've always heard, "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans".
Several years ago there was a young preacher, Ridley Barron, whose wife and and baby were killed in a car wreck only blocks away from their home when coming back from an out of town trip. He was interviewed by the paper and I have re-read a part of what he had to say so many times. "I don't want to miss what God has to show me. I don't want to get so wrapped up in feeling sorry for myself that I miss what God really wants to show me that's greater than that one event in my life. God didn't make this happen. We live in a world that's got bad in it. Bad things happen. Could God have stopped it? Yes. We have to remember that God looks at the world with the big picture in mind. God sees more than the 70-plus years I may be given on this earth or the 33-plus years Sarah was given. What God is more interested in is two things: No 1 - His Glory and No 2 - my character."
I know God has touched Ken's body and I can't wait until Ken is aware of that as well - To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done.
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